Civic Group Reports -- Tuesday November 13, 2012

Richmond County, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, conducted its annual Veterans Day ceremony Sunday at Ocean View Cemetery, Oakwood. Led by County Commander Tom Harkins, members of the VFW posts of Staten Island honored members of Staten Island Barracks No. 2524, Veterans of World War I. Post commanders also recited the names of VFW comrades who died in the last year. A wreath was placed and graveside flags were replaced. A collation was prepared for all at the North Shore Post at its headquarters at 49 The Boulevard. 

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL 

Women’s Bar Association 

The Staten Island chapter of the Women’s Bar Association met Sunday. Members discussed plans for the annual Judges’ Reception, to be held Dec. 4 at the Tea House Garden of the Hilton Garden Inn. The event will honor Hon. Judith N. McMahon along with other members of the Richmond County judiciary. It also will raise funds for Hurricane Sandy relief. Those wishing to attend should contact Eve Lynn Newman at enewman27@hotmail.com. 

SERVICE 

Historical Society Auxiliary 

The Women’s Auxiliary of the Staten Island Historical Society met Monday in the third County Court House, Historic Richmond Town. The guest speaker was Dennis McKeon, executive director of Where to Turn, who discussed the volunteer organization’s efforts. The Christmas Fair will be held Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature baked goods, gift baskets, crafts, Mrs. Claus’ attic treasures, Claus’ cocoa cove, ornaments and greenery. The M Bennett Cafe will serve refreshments. On Dec. 11, the auxiliary will sponsor a Dine to Donate fundraiser at Applebees in the Staten Island Mall; 10 percent of customer receipts from breakfast, lunch or dinner will be donated to the auxiliary. Call 718-442-1355 for details. Beginning in January, the M Bennett Cafe will offer Afternoon Tea on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. for special events or groups of 10 to 12 people. Call 718-442-1355 for information. The Cafe will be open for lunch Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. The next meeting and holiday party will be held Dec. 4. 

RELIGIOUS 

Ahavath Israel Sisterhood 

The Sisterhood of Congregation Ahavath Israel met Monday in the synagogue. Members completed plans for the holiday shopping fair to be held Nov. 25 from noon to 5 p.m. in the social hall. Vendors will be selling jewelry, handbags, children’s clothing, scarves, sweaters and many other items. Donations gift cards, games, and money will be accepted to be given to Hurricane Sandy victims. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be available. The event is free and open to the public and all are welcome. The synagogue is located at 7630 Amboy Rd., Tottenville. 

Richmond Travelers met yesterday at Drumgoole Council, Knights of Columbus, Richmond and members enjoyed a Shopping & Game Night. The Christmas Party will be held Dec. 6 at The Grand Plaza on Nelson Avenue, with music and dancing by Peter Joseph. The line-up of trips for 2013 promises variety and good times ahead starting with Chinese New Year at the Crown Palace, Middleton, N.J., celebrating “The Year of the Snake.” It includes a Chinese luncheon and authentic Chinese entertainment. The next meeting will be held Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. For more information, call president Linda D’Onofrio at 718-317-0422. 

LITERARY 

Lacey’s Book Club 

The Lacey’s Bridge Tavern Book Club met Monday. Members welcomed author Melissa Donati Pizirusso, who discussed her novel, “Disturbing Youth.” She answered questions and engaged an in-depth discussion of her work. The author expects to return in the spring when the sequel of her novel is published. All are welcome to join the Book Club. Call 718-702-3091 or e-mail saracaron@yahoo.com for details; the next meeting will be held Dec. 10. 

ENVIRONMENTAL 

Serpentine Commons 

The Serpentine Art and Nature Commons met Monday at Kairos House, Wagner College. The community natural hillside park on Grymes Hill fortunately sustained limited storm damage from fallen trees. The group is trying to contain costs by using its staff to reopen the trails. Members are researching ways to address a sewer pipe leaking from homes on Shelterview Drive and traversing the land trust’s property. Because it is a private sewer line it is not the city Department of Environmental Protection’s responsibility. The nature preserve will host Notre Dame Academy science students for nature study. The next meeting will be held Mon., Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. at Kairos House. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. 

Richmond Ever-Green 

The Richmond Ever-Green Garden Club, a member of First District Federated Garden Clubs of New York State, met Monday in the St. Francis Friary, Todt Hill. Linda Conlon took a first place for her Schlumbergera (Christmas cactus). Members signed up for the Christmas Party, to be held at Ceilo Restaurant on Hylan Boulevard. At the next meeting on Dec. 3, members will donate toys for the Toys For Tots Program. The next meeting will be held in March 2013.